Referral patterns of children with glaucoma and their caretakers in Northern Tanzania.

Aim: To describe the referral patterns of children with primary childhood glaucoma (PCG) or secondary childhood glaucoma (SCG) and their presenting symptoms in Northern Tanzania.

Methods: A retrospective observational study of children <17y with PCG or SCG who were referred to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Eye Department between 2000 and 2013 was conducted. Presenting symptoms, age at presentation, place of origin, distance to hospital, type of glaucoma, visual acuity, optic disc appearance (vertical cup-to-disc ratio) and type of referral were described.

Trabeculectomy or Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation as Initial Treatment of Secondary Childhood Glaucoma in Northern Tanzania.

Purpose: The purpose is to describe the outcome of trabeculectomy with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) as an initial intervention for secondary childhood glaucoma in Northern Tanzania.

Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series was analyzed of all children with secondary childhood glaucoma who underwent initial trabeculectomy or TSCPC between 2000 and 2013 at a referral eye unit in Northern Tanzania. Retrospective data were collected on causes of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, complications, and subsequent interventions.

Outcomes of surgical interventions for primary childhood glaucoma in Northern Tanzania.

Aim: To evaluate goniotomy, trabeculotomy, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) and trabeculectomy as initial procedures in children with primary childhood glaucoma from Northern Tanzania.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive interventions for primary childhood glaucoma from 2000 to 2013 was conducted at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Success was defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) below 22 mmHg.

The Arclight Ophthalmoscope: A Reliable Low-Cost Alternative to the Standard Direct Ophthalmoscope.

Background. The Arclight ophthalmoscope is a low-cost alternative to standard direct ophthalmoscopes. This study compared the Arclight ophthalmoscope with the Heine K180 direct ophthalmoscope to evaluate its reliability in assessing the vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) and its ease of use (EOU).

Epidemiology and management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in Tanzania.

Purpose: To estimate the incidence of suspected ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) by Region in Tanzania and learn where these lesions are treated.

Methods: We performed an analysis of existing theater records from three Tanzanian referral hospitals from 2006 to 2008 plus a prospective analysis of records from all other eye health workers who remove suspected OSSN outside the referral hospitals over 1 year.

Results: Approximately 40% of suspected OSSN are operated on outside of referral hospitals.